In Illinois, the term credit card fraud does not just refer to one single crime. Instead, it is a group of offenses that fall under the Illinois Criminal Code 720 ILCS 5/17-31 through 17-46. If you are arrested for credit card fraud in Illinois, then you are being accused of intentional misuse, possession, or manipulation of a credit card to deceive and obtain something of value.
Typically, small value cases are usually charged as misdemeanors, while most other cases are charged as felonies. Felonies have much more stringent penalties, such as prison exposure. Still, any type of fraud charge can not only carry severe criminal penalties under the law, but it can also cost you personally in terms of harming your relationships with others, losing professional opportunities, damage to your reputation, and more.
In Illinois, Glasgow & Olsson are Schaumburg credit card defense lawyers ready and prepared to help you. Having an attorney early is critical, but experienced counsel at any stage remains valuable. A skilled attorney can build a strong defense for you and improve your chances of overcoming charges.
For a free consultation with a Chicago credit card defense attorney, you can call Glasgow & Olsson today.
How Illinois Defines Credit Card Fraud
The main focus under Illinois credit card fraud laws is the “intent to defraud.” In other words, knowingly acting to deceive a credit card issuer, merchant, or another person for financial gain.
Credit card fraud can come in many forms, but some of the most common include:
- Using a stolen or lost card
- Using an expired or revoked card
- Possessing someone else’s credit card without their permission
- Making false statements, such as lying on an application, to obtain a credit card
- Altering or counterfeiting cards
- Possessing fake credit cards
- Selling or transferring credit cards unlawfully
- Using another person’s credit card as collateral without authorization
- Using another person’s credit card dishonestly to purchase goods, services, or obtain money
What is crucial to point out is that you can be charged with the crime of credit card fraud in Illinois even if no money or goods are actually obtained. As long as it is determined that you had an intent to defraud, you can be charged with this crime and found guilty of committing it.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
You will face serious penalties if you are convicted of credit card fraud in Illinois, which can include, but are not limited to, expensive fines and time behind bars. It is important that you have the most competent legal counsel available to help you with your legal situation.
At Glasgow & Olsson, we are widely recognized as a leading authority in Illinois criminal law. For this reason, Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow is a trusted legal voice who is regularly invited to appear on major networks, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with our Chicago criminal defense lawyers today and learn how decades of trusted experience can protect what matters most to you.